985  x 


UC-NRLF 


o 

CO 


THE  FOOT 

OF  THE 
RAINBOW 


MYRTLE 

GLENN 

ROBERTS 


o 

>- 


GIFT  OF 
4  00 


THE  FOOT  OF  THE  RAINBOW 


o 


WHEN  HAS  A  MAN  FOUND 
THE  TREASURE?  WHEN 
HE  HAS  FOUND  HIS  SOUL 
.  .  .  WHEN  HE  IS  FILLED 
WITH  JOY  AND  PEACE 
.  .  .  WHEN  HE  KNOWS 
THAT  LOVE  .  .  .  FOR  MAN 
AND  BEAST  AND  THINGS 
.  IS  LIFE 


THE  FOOT  OF 
THE  RAINBOW 

^MYRTLE  GLENN  ROBERTS 


PAUL  ELDER  AND 

COMPANY  •  PUBLISHERS 

SAN  FRANCISCO 


Copyright,  1914 
by  PAUL  ELDER  AND  COMPANY 


DEDICATED  MOST 

LOVINGLY  TO  THOSE  WHO 

ARE  SEEKING  THE 

TREASURE 


289023 


THE  FOOT  OF  THE  RAINBOW 


A  PLAY  IN  THREE  ACTS 


CHARACTERS 

THE  WOMAN 

THE  MAN 

THE  SON 

THE  HERDSMAN 


• 


ACT  I 

THE  WOMAN  •  THE  MAN 
THE  HERDSMAN 

HE  curtain  rises  on  a  portion 
of  a  small  farm.  To  right, part 
of  a  corn-field  is  visible.  The 
tall  stalks  are  bent  and  broken 
and  dripping  as  though  swept 
by  wind  and  rain.  Adjoining 
the  corn^  a  field  of  tall  hay, 
lying  almost  flat,  stretches  to 
the  back  of  the  stage  and  into 
the  scenery.  In  the  distance,  back,  and  reaching  across 
stage,  is  seen  a  chain  of  bare  and  desolate  looking  hills, 
one  rising  very  much  higher  than  the  others.  A  meadow 
covers  the  front  of  the  stage  and  rises  gradually  to  a 
grassy  knoll,  back  left,  on  which  stands  a  tall, broad- 
limbed  oak  tree. 

Water  standing  here  and  there  on  the  uneven  ground; 
the  ruined  fields,  bits  of  broken  lumber  lying  about,  de 
note  the  devastating  work  of  a  recent  storm. 

Clouds  hang  heavy  and  dark,  and  distant  thunder  is 
heard.  Soon  the  clouds  break  and  roll  away,  the  sky 
becomes  clear,  and  bright  sunlight  floods  the  scene.  Birds 
begin  to  twitter  in  the  oak,  and  one  is  seen  to  fly  across 
the  meadow  to  the  corn-field. 

[A  woman  enters,  left  front,  stops  suddenly 
and  looks  long  at  the  ruined  fields.  She  is 
young  and  slight.  She  wears  a  plain  neat 

[5] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

dress  of  soft  blue  material.  It  might  once 
have  been  a  Tyrian  blue,  but  much  wear 
and  many  washings  have  faded  and  dulled 
its  richness.  A  short,  sleeveless  cloak  of 
gray-green  wool  hangs  loosely  about  her 
shoulders.  Her  hair,  a  reddish-brown,  is 
wrapped  in  two  heavy  braids  about  her 
head.  Her  eyest  dark  and  large  and  lumi 
nous,  appear  to  see  more  than  other  eyes. 
Pale  and  spiritual,  she  stands  and  looks  and 
listens.  'Then  stepping  round  the  wet  places, 
she  makes  her  way  to  the  top  of  the  knoll.'} 

[A  rainbow  flashes  across  the  scene,  its  colors 
dropping  directly  over  the  knoll  and  bath 
ing  the  woman  in  an  iridescent  glory.  She 
stands  facing  the  audience  unconscious  of  the 
light.  It  shifts  to  a  point  beyond,  arching 
across  the  scene,  and  showing  at  left  of 
stage,  back.  The  bird, disturbed  in  the  corn 
field  twitters  and  flies  back  to  the  oak.  There 
is  a  noise  as  of  heavy  steps  on  the  corn 
stalks,  and  a  man  steps  out  of  the  field r.] 

\He  is  young,  fair,  tall  and  broad  shouldered; 
dressed  in  working  clothes.  His  high  laced 
boots  are  covered  with  the  mud  and  wet  of 
the  fields.  The  woman  turns  quickly  and 
speaks  as  he  aj)pears.~\ 

THE  WOMAN 
Come  up  here  and  look  at  the  rainbow. 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  MAN 
I  can  see  it  from  here. 

THE  WOMAN 

^ 
O  but  it  is  more  beautiful  from  here. 

Everything  is  more  beautiful  from  here. 

[THE  MAN  walks  slowly  across  stage,  through 
the  fuddles  of  water,  -picking  up  the  pieces 
of  broken  boards  and  piling  them  aside. ~\ 

THE  MAN 
Can  anything  be  beautiful,  after  this? 

THE  WOMAN 

It  is  not  so  bad  as  that. 

i 

THE  MAN 

No?  Not  bad?  Look  at  the  ruined  fields!  Could 
anything  be  worse? 

THE  WOMAN 

Yes!  far  worse!  We  are  here,  you  and  I  together. 
Nothing  has  happened  to  us.  We  are  together, 
and  all  of  life  before  us. 

THE  MAN 

Yes,  life  on  a  miserable  farm,  with  a  ruined  harvest. 
That  hay  would  have  paid  the  mortgage  at  least; 
now  it  will  rot  on  the  ground. 


[7] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN  ^ 

That  will  make  the  ground  so  much  the  richer  for 
next  year's  crop.\ 

THE  MAN 

What  is  next  year  to  us,  if  we  starve  this  winter. 
The  whole  country  is  a  failure.  We  are  so  poor 
.  .  .  and  our  neighbors  are  poorer  than  we. 

THE  WOMAN  {Radiantly^ 

We  are  rich,  rich,  far  richer  than  you  know.  What 
are  ruined  crops  when  you  have  heard  God  speak! 
Do  not  look  at  the  ruins;  come  up  here. 

[She  reaches  out  to  him.  He  walks  slowly  to 
the  top  of  the  knoll  and  takes  her  hand.  She 
continues  speaking.^ 

Look!  The  bow  of  promise!  See  how  beautifully  it 
arches  over  this  very  farm. 

THE  MAN 

\With  changed  countenance^ 

Yes,  and  seems  to  drop  into  the  field.  It  is  beauti 
ful.  I  wonder  is  it  true  that  .  .  . 

THE  WOMAN 
Everything  that  is  good  is  true. 

THE  MAN 

.  .  .  that  where  the  rainbow  touches  the  earth,  a 
golden  treasure  is  buried,  .  .  . 

[8] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN 
All  the  earth  is  filled  with  golden  treasure. 

THE  MAN 
.  .  .  and  the  man  who  finds  it  becomes  a  Prince? 

THE  WOMAN 

~  i 

Yes,  it  is  true.  The  man  who  finds  it  becomes  a 
Prince. 

THE  MAN 

A  golden  treasure!  I  have  but  to  walk  through  that 
field  and  dig  deep  enough  and  I  shall  be  a  Prince 
and  you  a  Princess. 

THE  WOMAN 

If  you  dig  deep  enough  and  find  the  treasure,  you 
will  be  a  Prince*  but  that  would  not  make  me  a 
Princess. 

THE  MAN 

I  would  make  you  a  Princess. 

THE  WOMAN 

Then  I  would  not  be  a  true  Princess.  To  be  a  true 
Princess  I  must  strive  for  the  treasure  and  win  it 
for  myself.  It  is  the  striving  for  a  thing  that  wins 
the  crown,  not  the  possession  of  it. 

THE  MAN 
See,  it  grows  brighter  and  brighter!   It  is  wonderful! 

[9] 


V 

The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN 
All  the  ruined  field  ...  is  molten  gold. 

I  must  go.  THE  MAN 

\He  starts  toward  the  field  as  though  dazed J\ 

THE  WOMAN 
You  must  go  where? 

THE  MAN 
To  the  foot  of  the  Rainbow. 

THE  WOMAN 

\fTrying  to  stop  him.~\ 

There  is  no  need  to  go.  You  are  at  the  foot  of  the 
rainbow,  here.  Here  we  can  strive  together  for 
the  treasure.  And  we  shall  find  it,  you  and  I. 
There  will  be  a  crown  for  each  of  us  .  .  .  and  royal 
robes.  And  honor  for  our  son.  Think,  of  that, 
for  our  son!  This  morning  after  the  storm  I  knew. 
...  O  it  was  as  if  God  spoke  to  me.  .  .  .  Here 
in  your  own  home  is  the  foot  of  the  rainbow. 

[THE  MAN  during  this  speech  walks  down  off 
the  knoll  facing  the  fields. .] 

THE  MAN 

This  ruined  place  home?  There  is  no  light  here.  It 
is  there  .  .  .  there  ...  I  must  go. 


[10] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN 
Surely  you  can  not  mean  it! 

THE  MAN 

It  is  my  only  hope.  At  best  there  is  barely  a  living 
here;  the  place  is  so  small.  Those  hills  are  im 
possible  and  there  is  nothing  but  rock  beyond 
even  if  we  could  afford  to  buy.  Nothing  but  rock, 
hard  granite,  down  to  the  sea.  Out  there  is  gold. 
Out  there  is  the  treasure. 

\He  has  reached  the  edge  of  the  field.  Like 
one  in  a  dream  he  turns,  holds  out  his  arms 
to  her  and  continues  speaking.~\ 

I  must  go.  Wait  for  me  here.  It  is  only  a  little 
way,  and  I  will  come  back  soon.  Wait  for  me 
here.  The  golden  treasure! 

\_He  passes  out  of  sight  of  the  audience '.] 

THE  WOMAN 

Wait,  wait!  It  is  true  about  the  treasure,  but  that 
is  not  the  way.  Wait,  let  me  tell  you. 

[He  passes  on  out  of  hearing.  She  watches 
him  for  a  time,,  then  speaks. ~] 

He  has  almost  reached  it!  O  it  is  fading  ...  it  is 
.  .  .  fading  ...  it  is  gone!  The  rainbow  is  gone. 

\^The  rainbow  at  back  of  stage  fades  and 

vanishes.  She  continues.] 

*  • 

Now  he  will  come  back!  He  is  turning  back.  He 
is  looking  around  him.  O  there  it  is  brighter  than 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

ever,  over  the  hills  ...  far  ...  far  .  .  .  over  the 
hillsXHe  sees  it!   He  is  going  to  follow  it! 

[Stretching  out  her  arm  as  though  to  stop  him.] 

O  you  must  not  go!  You  might  find  the  treasure 
but  it  is  such  a  hard  way.  You  will  have  to  lie 
.  .  .  and  steal  .  .  .  and  kill  .  .  .  perhaps.  You  will 
be  like  all  the  others,  .  .  .  the  millions  of  others.  v 
Blinded  by  greed  and  hate  and  jealousy.  .  .  .  How 
can  you  know  the  treasure  if  you  should  find  it!"' 
Deadened  with  misery  .  .  .  how  can  you  know 
.  .  .  the  night  will  come  upon  you  and  find  you 
desolate  .  .  .  and  day  will  break  without  a  hope 
in  the  world.  And  you  will  never  come  back. 
Never,  never,  never! 


last  is  a  low  moan  and  she  sinks  down 
n  the  wet  earth>  her  face  in  her  hands] 

[THE  HERDSMAN  enters  from  left  of  stage, 
front,  and  stands  quietly  facing  the  knoll, 
back  to  the  audience.  He  is  medium  tall  and 
is  neither  young  nor  old.  He  is  a  little 
weary.  It  may  be  from  having  helped  to 
care  for  the  herds,  all  through  the  storm  of 
the  night  before.  His  short  leather  cloak, 
high  boots  and  soft  tan  hat  are  wet  with 
the  rain  and  spattered  with  the  mud  of  the 
roads] 

[THE  WOMAN  remains  silent  a  moment,  then 
rises  quickly,  and  in  a  triumphant  voice  and 
with  glorified  countenance,  she  speaks.] 

[12] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN 

^^^»l  ^.  ^BSSHH"*  ^v 

He  will  come  back!   My  Prince  will  come  back.  I 

will  wait  for  him  here.   Here  under  the  oak  I  will 
meet  my  Prince,  I,  his  Princess. 

[THE  HERDSMAN  removes  his  hat.  After  a 
short  pause  THE  WOMAN  looks  at  him.  He 
speaks  quietly  but  firmly,  in  a  voice  rich  and 
full  of  nameless  sweetnessJ\ 

THE  HERDSMAN 
I  wish  to  buy  your  field  of  hay. 

THE  WOMAN 
It  is  not  for  sale. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
I  am  sorry  then,  for  my  cattle  are  already  in  it. 

THE  WOMAN 

[Looking  out  over  the  field. ~] 

Yes,  I  see  them.  So  many  of  them;  there  must  be 
fifty  or  more. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

There  are  many,  many  more.  Your  fences  are  all 
down  and  we  could  not  keep  them  out.  We  have 
been  long  on  oftr  way  and  the  cattle  have  had 
very  little  to  eat  for  days.  They  are  in  there  now 
and  it  will  be  impossible  to  get  them  out  until 
they  are  satisfied.  I  must  buy  the  hay. 


[13] 


'The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN 

The  field  is  a  ruin,  worth  nothing  to  us.  Why 
should  you  buy  it? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

You  see  for  yourself  what  it  is  worth  to  me.  To  find 
it  was  like  a  miracle.  The  cattle  were  starving. 
The  other  farmers,  it  seems,  harvested  very  early 
and  their  crops  were  small.  They  have  barely 
enough  for  themselves.  None  to  sell,  or  at  least 
not  enough  for  my  needs.  Your  hay  is  worth  the 
harvested  price  to  me. 

[THE  WOMAN  looks  at  him  steadily ',  calmly ,  as 
he  continues^ 

I  noticed  as  I  came,  many  missing  shingles  from  the 
roof  of  your  house.  Your  barn  too,  has  suffered 
from  the  storm.  My  men  will  repair  them  both 
and  put  up  your  fences. 

\His  speech  is  kind,  but  compelling  and  definite. 
He  turns,  walks  slowly  out,  THE  WOMAN 
watching  him.  'Then  she  turns  toward  the 
field  and  speaks. ~] 

THE  WOMAN 

The  promise!  The  golden  treasure  in  the  field.  O 
my  Prince,come  back. 


ACT  II 

THE  SON  •  THE  HERDSMAN 

THE  MAN 

Thirty  years  later.  I'he  curtain  rises  on  a  large  liv 
ing  room.  High  ceiling,  carved  and  beamed.  Polished 
black  floor )  sparsely  covered  with  small  Oriental  rugs. 
High-backed  chairs,  massive  tables,  bookcases  with 
leaded  glass  doors,  footstools,  and  the  woodwork^  of  the 
room,  all  of  heavily  carved  black  walnut.  Lamps  and 
side  lights,  globed  in  white  crystal,  light  the  room. 

At  back  of  stage,  three  French  windows  open  into  a 
pergola.  It  is  a  dark  moonless  night.  The  lights  from 
within  reflect  beyond  the  pergola  upon  a  sun-dial,  and 
paths  which  lead  through  an  immaculate  formal  garden. 

[THE  SON  enters  the  garden,  back  of  stage. 
Walking  slowly,  he  stops  meditatively  now 
and  then,  steps  into  the  pergola,  looks  out 
upon  the  night  once  more  and  then  enters 
the  room.  He  is  in  his  thirtieth  year  and 
resembles  THE  MAN  in  Act  One,  except  that 
he  is  slighter  and  has  more  the  look  of  a 
scholar.  He  is  serious  but  not  cast  down. 
He  takes  a  turn  or  two  thoughtfully  up  and 
down  the  room,  looks  up  suddenly,  to  see 
THE  HERDSMAN  standing  in  the  open  win 
dow^ 

\He  wears  a  gray  flannel  shirt,  high  boots  and 
soft  tan  hat)  as  in  Act  One,  and  carries  his 
leather  cloak.  Time  has  not  changed  him. 


'The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

He  is  ere 51  and  alert  >  though  wearing  still 
the  suggestion  of  weariness  in  his  counten 
ance  y  and  the  marks  upon  his  clothes  of 
having  traveled  far.  He  speaks  quietly  J\ 

THE  HERDSMAN 
What  is  it? 

THE  SON 
Thinking. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
Pleasant  thoughts  I  hope.     } 

THE  SON 

[Resuming  his  walkJ\ 
I  was  thinking  of  my  father. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

[Entering  the  room.'] 
Loving  thoughts  then. 

THE  SON  [Bitterly'} 

I  shall  have  something  to  say  to   him,  when  the 
opportunity  presents  itself. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
The  opportunity? 

THE  SON 

I  mean  if  he  ever  comes  here. 

[16] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  HERDSMAN 
You  mean  .  .  .  when  he  comes  .  .  .  home. 

THE  SON  [Uneasily.] 

Well  .  .  .  yes. 

THE  HERDSMAN       [Very  slowly] 

When  the  prodigal  son  returned,  his  father  met  him 
with  a  glad  heart.  The  son  may  do  as  much  for 
the  father? 

[A  short  silence,  THE  SON  does  not  answer] 

THE  HERDSMAN 
The  son  may  do  as  much  for  the  father? 

THE  SON  [Coldly] 

He  may,  but  he  will  not. 

[He  pauses  and  then  in  justification  of  his  at 
titude,  he  continues] 

THE  SON 

He  shirked  every  responsibility.  He  left  us  to  get 
on  as  we  might;  to  live  or  die;  it  was  all  one  to 
him. 

THE  HERDSMAN     _  A  ,    . 

[Affectionately] 

Have  you  wanted  for  anything?  Not  merely  the  bare 
necessities,  but  all  the  luxuries  this  world  has  to 
offer  have  been  yours.  You  have  been  guarded 
and  guided  most  lovingly,  while  he  has  been  a 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

wanderer.  A  wanderer;  seeking,  always  seeking 
and  never  rinding.  Suffering  want  both  in  body 
and  soul. 

THE  SON 

He  brought  it  upon  himself. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

The  penalty  is  the  same,  and  be  sure  that  he  has 
paid  it is  still  paying  it. 

[THE  SON  is  puzzled.  Walks  to  left  of  stage, 
speaks."] 

THE  SON 

Do  you  believe  in  my  father;  in  his  treasure  hunt 
ing,  I  mean  ? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

I  believe  that  he  was  honest  in  his  desire,  but  his 
darkened  sense  saw  only  the  illusion. 

[Pause.  Turning  from  THE  SON  and  as  though 
speaking  to  himself.'] 

The  lure  of  the  world  is  irresistible.  It  is  a  dream 
that  every  man  passes  through,  and  he  pays  for 
the  experience  with  a  thousand  deaths.  It  takes 
courage  upon  courage,  to  battle  with  the  world, 
with  the  world's  weapons. 

[He  pauses,  then  turning  to  THE  SON,  con 
tinues^ 

[i  8] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

If  your  father  gives  you  the  privilege  of  receiving 
him,  it  will  be  one  more  added  to  your  already 
many  blessings. 

THE  SON 

\Still  aggressive.  \ 

After  all  these  years.  .  .  . 

THE  HERDSMAN  [Quickly.] 

What  are  a  few  years  in  all  eternity!  Your  mother 
held  him  always  the  true  man,  the  good  man,  her 
Prince.  He  must  rise  to  that  thought  some  day. 
When  he  comes  you  will  have  the  royal  garments 
ready,  and  the  feast  prepared  to  receive  him  as 
she  would  wish  him  to  be  received. 

THE  SON 

[Struggling  with  his  desire  to  resent  and  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth  of  THE  HERDSMAN'S 
words.~\ 

She  pined  away  for  want  of  him.  He  made  her 
suffer. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Then  the  more  need  for  your  compassion.  That  he 
made  her  suffer  is  the  greatest  of  all  his  sorrows. 

\A  step  on  the  gravel  path  attracts  both. 
THE  MAN  steps  into  the  pergola.  THE  SON'S 
look  and  manner  change.  He  is  at  once  the 
host  meeting  a  stranger  where  strangers  are 
always  welcome."} 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  MAN 
May  I  come  in? 

THE  SON 

Indeed  yes.  All  are  welcome  here,  strangers  and 
friends  alike. 

[THE  MAN  enters  slowly,  walking  with  diffi 
culty.  He  is  well  dressed  and  looks  prosper 
ous,  but  is  stooped  and  white  haired.  All 
his  sixty  years  weighing  heavily  upon  him. 
THE  HERDSMAN  moves  to  right,  and  stands 
quietly  during  the  following. ~\ 

THE  SON 

[Assisting  THE  MAN,  and  taking  his  hat  and 
stick.] 

You  look  tired,  very  tired.  Sit  here;  this  is  a  com 
fortable  chair.  Now  lean  back  and  rest. 

THE  MAN  [Wearily.] 

I  walked  from  the  village.  I  am  tired.  My  feet  are 
tired,  my  head  is  tired  and  .  .  .  my  heart  is  tired. 

THE  SON 

It  is  a  long  walk  from  the  village,  especially  on  a 
sultry  day,  such  as  this  has  been.  Was  there  no 
way  to  ride? 

THE  MAN 

Yes,  but  the  village  is  so  extraordinary  that  I 
wanted  to  see  it.  ... 


[20] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

\_He  pauses  an  instant^  then  touched  by  the 
spirit  of  peace  and  love  enfolding  the  scenes 
which  he  has  just  passed  through  ^  and  as  if 
speaking  to  himself ,  he  continues.] 

.  .  .  Every  house  built  of  common  gray  stone.  The 
streets  paved  with  it,  ...  low  walls  of  it,  ivy- 
covered,  .  .  .  rose-covered.  Flowers  and  tender 
growing  things,  all  lovingly  clinging  to  that  hard 
.  .  .  cold  .  .  .  gray  .  .  .  stone.  Rude  fountains 
built  of  it,  with  gray  and  green  moss  holding  fast 
to  it.  "As  hard  as  a  stone/*  they  say;  but  there 
must  be  something  tender  about  stone  when  green 
things  cling  to  it. 

THE  SON 

\_Pleased  with  this  appreciation. .] 
It  is  its  strength  they  love. 

THE  MAN 

I  have  been  everywhere  in  this  world  that  a  human 
being  could  go,  and  I  have  seen  many  strange 
and  beautiful  sights,  but  nothing  more  beautiful 
than  the  village.  Then  the  fields  beyond  were 
wonderful,  and  the  forest;  and  all  the  way  I  noted 
the  care  that  is  given  every  thing.  Even  the  small 
est  flower  by  the  roadside  seemed  to  have  just 
been  looked  after.  I  walked  on  and  on,  forgetting 
that  I  am  no  longer  young,  until  it  grew  dark 
about  me.  Then  I  saw  the  illumination!  Your 
lights  above  me  .  .  .  and  I  wanted  to  reach  the 

[21] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

light.  So  I  climbed  the  hill.  ...  I  rested  on  the 
way  .  .  .  but  I  am  tired. 

[He  appears  overcome.  THE  SON,  during  the 
last  few  words  of  the  speech,  has  poured  a 
glass  of  wine,  and  handing  it  to  him,  speaks 
compassionately  J\ 

THE  SON 

Will  you  drink  this?    It  may  take  the  weariness 
away. 

THE  MAN 

Yes.  Thank  you. 

THE  SON 
Perhaps  you  are  hungry.  I'll  get  you  something.  .  .  . 

THE  MAN 

No,  no,  I  could  not  eat.  .  .  .  You  are  kind,  and  I 
am  only  a  stranger  to  you. 

[He  leans  back  and  closes  his  eyesJ\ 

THE  SON 

I  do  not  need  to  know  you  to  be  kind,  besides  I  do 
know  you. 

THE  MAN 


You  do  know  me? 

THE  SON 

Yes.  You  said  your  feet  and  head  and  heart  were 
tired.  .  .  .  What  more  than  that  do  I  need  to 
know? 

[22] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  MAN 

[Resting  quietly  again. ~\ 
You  do  not  live  here  alone? 

THE  SON 

Until  yesterday  my  mother  was  with  me.  Today 
...  I  am  alone. 

THE  MAN 
Only  yesterday!  Tell  me  about  your  mother. 

[THE  HERDSMAN  turns  quickly  and  looks  in 
tently  at  THE  SON.] 

THE  SON 
My  mother  left  me  yesterday. 

\He  speaks  in  a  final  tone,  as  though  not  wish 
ing  to  talk  about  his  mother.  Then  meeting 
the  glance  of  THE  HERDSMAN,  his  face  lights 
upy  and  with  sudden  inspiration  and  quiet 
tenderness  >  he  continues."] 

THE  SON 

My  mother  planned  the  village  which  you  think  so 
beautiful,  and  every  man  who  lives  there  has 
come  from  the  penitentiary. 

THE  MAN  {Interested^ 

That  is  strange.  I  saw  several  of  them,  talked  with 
them,  and  they  seemed  very  kind. 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  SON 

They  are  kind,  and  strong,  and  happy.  Flowers 
grow  for  them  like  miracles.  They  lift  the  stone 
from  the  quarries,  or  talk  with  the  birds  .  .  . 
with  equal  ease. 

THE  MAN 
You  employ  them  here  ...  on  your  estate? 

THE  SON 

Yes,  my  mother  employs  only  men  who  have  come 
from  the  penitentiary.  She  bought  several  acres 
of  granite  ground  in  order  to  employ  more  of 
them.  Each  year  she  has  enlarged  the  property, 
that  none  may  be  turned  away  who  ask  for  help. 

THE  MAN 
What  is  the  object? 

THE  SON 

To  give  them  work  and  a  home.  To  teach  them 
through  kindness,  that  they  may  begin  all  over 
again,  and  that  a  crime  is  not  always  the  fault  of 
the  man  who  commits  it.  To  help  them  to  know 
that ...  all  things  are  forgiven  him  who  wishes  it. 

THE  MAN 

And  did  she  succeed  in  teaching  them  to  want  for 
giveness? 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  SON 

What  do  you  think?  You  saw  and  talked  with  some 
of  them.  You  saw  the  village,  the  forest,  the  culti 
vated  hills  and  this  mountain  of  exquisite  garden 
ing.  They  have  done  it  all.  Does  it  look  like  the 
product  of  criminal  minds? 

THE  MAN  {Illumined^ 

And  this  house? 

THE  SON 

Yes,  and  this  house.  They  designed  and  made  all 
the  furniture.  They  designed  and  carved  all  the 
woodwork.  Not  in  this  room  alone  but  through 
out  the  house. 

THE  MAN 
It  is  beautiful. 

THE  SON 

My  mother  did  not  plan  this  house.  She  loved  her 
cottage  near  the  Prince's  Knoll,  opposite  the 
Golden  Field.  She  would  have  liked  to  live  there 
always,  but  gratitude  lifted  her  up  here.  "It  must 
be  done,"  they  said.  "Her  home  must  be  upon  the 
highest  point,  that  they  might  have  it  before  them 
at  all  times."  So  they  toiled  to  honor  her.  But 
it  was  not  hard;  the  stones  seemed  to  set  them 
selves.  When  love  works  .  .  .  there  is  no.  labor. 


night  has  grown  very  black.    There  is 
occasional  lightning  and  distant  thunder  .] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  MAN 
The  Knoll.  The  Prince's  Knoll;  where  is  that? 

THE  SON 

[Having  occupied  the  front  of  the  stage,  he 
moves  to  back,  looks  out,  noting  the  ap 
proaching  storm.] 

Below  the  hills.  You  can  not  see  it  from  here.  It  is 
on  the  opposite  side. 

\_A  bright  flash  of  lightning  and  a  heavy  peal 
of  thunder.  Almost  instantly  the  rain  comes 
down  in  torrents.  Mingled  with  prolonged 
gusts  of  wind,  and  rumblings  with  occasional 
peals  of  thunder,  it  lasts  during  the  remain 
der  of  the  Act.~\ 

[Seeming  not  to  hear  the  storm,  THE  MAN  has 
risen.  Supporting  himself  by  the  arm  of  the 
chair,  he  stands  looking  out  over  the  audi 
ence^ 

THE  MAN 
Why  do  you  call  it  the  Prince's  Knoll? 

[THE  SON,  after  closing  and  fastening  the  win 
dows,  deliberates  a  moment,  arranges  a 
chair,  sits  and  then  after  glancing  at  THE 
HERDSMAN,  who  is  watching  him  steadily, 
he  speaks."} 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  SON 

Because,  for  thirty  years  my  mother  waited  there 
for  her  Prince.  "He  may  come  today,"  she  would 
say,  "and  we  must  be  ready  to  meet  him."  Every 
piece  of  work  was  planned  to  be  finished  as  per 
fectly  and  as  quickly  as  possible,  because  the 
Prince  must  not  find  anything  unfinished  nor 
poorly  done.  ...  It  is  a  wonderful  thing  to  live 
each  day  expecting  a  great  event;  you  live  your 
very  best  with  every  breath.  .  .  .  When  I  was  a 
little  chap,  I  would  expect  to  see  him  coming  like 
the  Knight  in  the  fairy  tales  on  a  great,  white 
steed,  clad  in  glittering  mail,  with  banners  flying 
and  trumpets  sounding.  Then  when  I  grew  older 
and  learned  that  the  Prince  was  my  father,  I 
waited  for  him  even  more  eagerly. 

\_After  a  short  silence,  THE  MAN  speaks  hope- 
"  lessly^ 

THE  MAN 

Then  he  wasn't  a  real  Prince.  It  was  only  your 
mother's  fancy  to  call  him  so. 

THE  SON 

Mother  used  to  say:  .  .  ."A  Prince  is  a  man  who 
has  found  the  treasure."  My  father  went  to  find 
the  treasure.  "He  would  be  a  Prince,"  she  said, 
"when  he  came  back." 

THE  MAN 

How  does  a  man  know  when  he  has  found  the  treas 
ure? 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  HERDSMAN 

\Very  quietly ',  as  though  speaking  his  own  ex 
perience.^ 

When  he  has  found  his  soul.  .  .  .  When  he  is  filled 
with  .  .  .  joy  and  peace.  .  .  .  When  he  knows  that 
love  .  .  .  for  man  and  beast  and  things  ...  is  life. 

THE  SON 
\_As  though  THE  HERDSMAN  had  not  spoken.~\ 

The  Prince  never  came.  I  lost  heart  and  gave  him 
up  long  ago,  but  mother  never  doubted.  I  have 
watched  her  in  the  early  morning,  day  after  day, 
going  down  the  hill  to  the  Knoll,  and  I  knew  she 
went  to  watch  for  her  Prince.  In  the  evening  it 
was  the  same;  sunset  always  found  her  there.  She 
was  wonderful  too!  She  never  grew  old.  I  was 
like  her  older  brother.  I  have  seen  her  standing 
on  the  Prince's  Knoll,  under  the  oak,  looking  out 
over  the  Golden  Field,  the  sun  shining  on  her 
glorious  hair,  her  slender  body  like  a  child's,  and 
her  attitude  so  confident  and  sure,  that  .  .  .  even 
I  ...  felt  that  he  must  come. 

\He  has  risen  and  stands  his  full  height ,  look 
ing  out  over  the  audience.  After  a  short 
pause,  he  continues.~\ 

Only  a  few  days  ago  she  said:  .  .  ."Son, he  is  com 
ing  very  soon  now;  I  must  spend  more  time  on 
the  Knoll." 

\He  pauses,  and  then  'very  softly  I\ 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

And  she  is  waiting  there  now,  under  the  oak.  .  .  . 

[THE  MAN  has  lost  all  his  weariness  and  fa 
tigue.  He  no  longer  stoops,  but  stands  straight 
and  tall  and  splendid J\ 

[THE  HERDSMAN  faces  the  audience,  eyes  in 
tense  and  face  alight  with  love  and  glori 
fied  fulfilment.  There  is  a  long  silence ;  preg 
nant  with  joy,  during  which  the  steadily 
pouring  rain,  the  low-voiced  wind,  and  the 
wft  rumbles  of  thunder  are  vaguely  audible. 
THE  HERDSMAN  quietly  resumes  his  original 
position.  THE  SON  and  THE  MAN  look  into 
each  others  eyes  for  an  instant.~\ 

THE  MAN 
.  .  .  And  what  do  you  think  of  your  father? 

THE  SON 

What  I  think  of  him  is  of  no  consequence;  he  is 
her  Prince. 

THE  MAN 

[Offering  his  hand.~\ 

Thank  you  for  your  confidence.  I  am  rested  now; 
good-bye. 

THE  SON 
You  are  not  going  out  into  this  storm? 

THE  MAN 

[Taking  his  hat  and  stick  and  moving  toward 
one  of  the  windows^ 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
Yes,  I  am  going  out  into  the  storm,  now. 

THE  SON 

[Following  him,  THE  SON  reaches  the  window 
first  and  bars  the  way] 

There  is  no  place  to  go  this  side  of  the  village. 

[THE  HERDSMAN  turns  quickly  and  lifts  his 
hand.  THE  SON  seeing  him,  reluctantly  steps 
aside,  leaving  the  way  clear. ~\ 

THE  SON 
But  wait,  at  least  you  must  have  a  coat. 

[THE  HERDSMAN  unfolds  his  cloak,  holding  it 
in  both  hands.  THE  SON  takes  it  and  folds 
it  lovingly  about  THE  MAN  as  he  steps  out 
into  the  storm.  THE  HERDSMAN  has  faced 
the  audience  again.  THE  SON  closes  the  win 
dow  and  stands  also  facing  the  audience.] 

THE  SON  [Troubled.] 

I  didn't  ask  him  what  he  came  here  for,  who  he 
was,  nor  where  he  was  going. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

% 

There  is  no  need;  you  will  know. 


ACT  III 

THE  MAN  •  THE  HERDSMAN 
THE  WOMAN  •  THE  SON 

//  is  early  morning  of  the  next  day.  'The  stage  is 
dark.  High  up  in  the  distance,  right,  glimmering  through 
the  blinding  rain,  are  seen  the  lights  from  the  house  on 
the  hill.  'There  appear  to  be  hundreds  of  them,  and  as 
the  audience  watches  the  scene,  the  outline  of  the  build 
ing  becomes  visible.  Gradually  the  other  hills  are  formed, 
and  the  audience  becomes  conscious  of  the  same  scene  as 
in  Act  One.  After  a  moment  or  two  the  scene  grows 
very  still;  the  lights  from  the  hill-top  shining  brilliantly 
as  the  rain  decreases. 

A  gray  light  lifts  the  blackness,  and  day  is  dawning. 
On  the  Knoll,  leaning  against  the  oak,  THE  MAN  stands 
at  the  head  of  a  low  mound,  which  is  covered  with  a 
pall  of  roses. 

The  dawn  slowly  breaks  into  broad  day,  disclosing 
the  once  barren  hills,  now  covered  with  vineyards,  lux 
uriant  and  fruitful.  The  high  hill  is  a  marvel  of  land 
scape  work,  with  its  winding  roads  and  foot-paths, 
borders  of  box  and  holly-hedges. 

[THE  MAN  moves  to  the  center  and  back  of  the 
mound, facing  the  audience.  He  wears  THE 
HERDSMAN'S  cloak  and  carries  his  hat  and 
stick.  He  is  serene  and  still,  but  pale,  show 
ing  the  effects  of  a  great  mental  struggle^ 

[THE  HERDSMAN  enters  from  the  corn-field, 
walks  to  back  of  stage,  near  the  Knoll. 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

Chimes  break  soft  and  pure  into  the  limpid 
morning  air>  and  tell  in  a  strain  of  melody ', 
a  quarter  to  the  hour,  during  which  THE 
MAN  and  THE  HERDSMAN  lookat  one  another 
in  a  long,  earnest  silence '.] 

THE  MAN  \^houghtfully^ 

When  he  is  filled  with  joy  and  peace.  .  .  .  Found 
his  soul.  .  .  .  Love  for  everybody,  .  .  .  every 
thing.  All  day  yesterday  those  words  were  ring- 
in  my  ears;  but  not  until  night,  did  I  recognize 
them,  and  then.  .  .  . 

THE  HERDSMAN 
And  then  ...  you  were  rested. 

THE  MAN 
For  the  first  time  in  thirty  years. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

I  saw  the  weary  load  fall  from  you.  The  pain  and 
sorrow  which  the  world  had  put  upon  you,  had 
no  more  power  to  make  you  suffer. 

THE  MAN 

I  was  free,  .  .  .  free.  .  .  .  My  limbs,  stiff  and  drawn 
with  pain,  suddenly  were  lithe  and  straight  again. 
.  .  .  The  dull  ache  left  my  head  and  heart,  and 
my  whole  being  seemed  to  rise  on  angels*  wings 
.  .  .  and  burn  and  glow  with  .  .  . 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  HERDSMAN 
With  love! 

THE  MAN         [Uninterrupted.] 

Burn  and  glow  with  love.  All  my  struggles  were 
a  dream  that  vanished  ...  as  though  they  had 
never  been  .  .  .  and  I  was  filled  with  .  .  . 

THE  HERDSMAN 
With  joy  and  peace. 

THE  MAN 
[Still  as  though  THE  HERDSMAN  had  not  spoken] 

Filled  with  joy  and  peace.  And  out  here  through 
the  night,  and  the  storm,  ...  I  have  found  .  .  . 

THE  HERDSMAN 
Your  soul. 

THE  MAN 

I  have  found,  ...  I  do  not  know.  It  is  not  clear. 
This  absolute  and  all-satisfying  peace  which  pos 
sesses  me;  is  it  death?  I  came  back  to  die. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
It  is  life.  There  is  no  death. 

THE  MAN 
No  death !  And  how  I  have  longed  for  it. 

[33] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  HERDSMAN 

Do  you  wish  you  had  found,  what  you  thought  to 
be  death? 

THE  MAN 

No,  I  would  pass  through  the  whole  miserable  ex 
perience  again,  for  one  hour  of  this.  But  must  I 
pay  for  it?  Will  this  vanish  too,  like  all  beautiful 
dreams,  leaving  me  more  wretched  than  ever? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Your  dreams  passed  away  because  you  ceased  to 
want  them.  They  no  longer  satisfied. 

THE  MAN 

Yes,  .  .  .  after  a  time  they  weaned  me.  I  sought  in 
vain  .  .  .  for  something  true. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

You  sought  in  vain.  .  .  .  Where?  Where  did  you 
seek? 

THE  MAN 
Among  the  men  .  .  .  and  women  .  .  .  of  all  lands. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
And  you  found? 

THE  MAN 

Deceit.  .  .  .  Cupidity.  .  .  .  Trickery.  .  .  .  Fraud,  all 
fraud. 

[34] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  HERDSMAN  [Quickly.'] 

You  found  what  you  gave. 

THE  MAN 
I  but  protected  myself. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

This  farm  .  .  .  brought  forth  only  barrenness  and 
desolation  for  you  .  .  .  because  .  .  .  you  hated 
it.  ... 

[Softly  and  witb  deep  meaning.'] 

.  .  .  She,  has  loved  it  into  a  paradise. 

THE  MAN 
What  has  that  to  do  with  men  and  women? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Everything.  You  met  the  world  as  you  met  your 
home,  and  the  result  .  .  .  was  the  same;  .  .  .  bar 
renness  and  desolation. 

THE  MAN  [Thoughtfully.] 

I  worked  as  other  men  worked. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Yes,  as  other  men  worked.  I  heard  you  lie  ...  and 
betray  confidence  ...  for  gain.  I  saw  you  steal 
...  for  the  mere  pleasure  of  out-doing  another. 
I  saw  you  kill.  .  .  . 

[35] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

[THE  MAN  makes  a  gesture  of  -protest.   Soft 
ened  and  repent  ant  i  he  speaks.  ~\ 


THE  MAN 


I  was  hard.  .  .  .  Yes,  I  was  hard  .  .  .  and  cruel  some 
times.  I  am  sorry  for  that.  .  .  . 


.  .  .  But  I  was  considered  a  worthy  citizen.  I  was 
known  for  my  integrity,  my  honesty.  I  was 
praised  for  my  business  ability,  and  honored  for 
my  possessions. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
Yes,  and  with  all  that,  what  have  you  brought  here? 

THE  MAN 
Empty  hands.  God  help  me. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

In  your  world  ...  it  was  every  man  for  himself. 
That  is  why  all  things  wearied  you.  That  is  why 
you  grew  old  and  feeble  and  longed  for  death. 
The  life-giving  energy  does  not  work  so. 

[He  pauses,  and  then  with  great  tenderness  J\ 

O  man,  joy  taken  from  another  can  not  live.  It  dies 
when  it  leaves  the  victim,  and  hangs  a  dead  weight 
upon  your  soul.  It  is  only  when  we  give,  that  we 
really  live.  It  is  only  when  a  man  forgets  himself 
.  .  .  that  God  possesses  him. 

[36] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  MAN  [Broken.] 

Why  have  I  come  here? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

[Radiant  with  understanding] 
To  find  the  treasure. 

THE  MAN 
Long  ago,  I  despaired  of  finding  the  treasure. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

It  is  more  constant  than  you.  It  has  not  despaired 
of  you. 

[Dropping  to  a  softer  tone.] 

When  you  gave  up,  .  .  .  when  you  stopped  strug 
gling  and  fighting,  .  .  .  see  how  it  led  you  home. 
Home  to  beauty,  love,  life. 

THE  MAN 

Love  has  been  a  meaningless  word  to  me,  these 
many  years. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Love  is  a  man's  salvation,  .  .  .  and  it  is  always  wait 
ing  for  him.  ...  In  every  man's  life  there  is  a 
human  love  which  uplifts,  and  finds  in  him  its 
answering  note,  regardless  of  opposition.  He  may 
avoid  it  all  his  earthly  days,  but  he  can  not  wholly 
escape  it.  It  is  a  love  that  never  sees,  knows  nor 
takes  account  of  wrong  he  may  have  done.  It 

[37] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

believes  in  him  always.  Sometimes  that  salvation 
is  a  friend;  one  man's  love  for  another.  More 
often  it  is  a  woman;  .  .  .  usually  a  man's  mother. 
The  other  love  ...  is  a  passion  which  must  be 
fed,  and  which  dies  with  neglect.  But  even  that 
love  has  been  known  to  be  pure  enough  to  en 
dure.  Once  in  a  thousand  years  one  may  be  found 
loyal  and  strong  enough  to  prove  it.  Here  is 
such  a  love!  Look  about  you.  All  this  because 
of  love.  First  for  you  alone.  Then  it  grew  until 
it  knew  no  bounds;  .  .  .  limitless  it  rested  upon 
all, . . .  bringing  peace  to  heavy  hearts  and  to  crime 
laden  souls.  It  penetrated  into  the  depths  of  the 
earth  and  reared  that  palace  on  the  hill.  For  all 
who  pass  this  way,  it  has  filled  the  world  with 
loveliness.  It  was  love  pouring  into  your  con 
sciousness  all  day  yesterday,  that  gave  you  free 
dom  and  rest,  last  night. 

[During  this  speech  y  THE  MAN'S  countenance 
changes  from  woe  to  wistfulness;  from  a 
vague  realization  to  a  glorious  understand 
ing.^ 

THE  MAN 

Why  should  love  do  this  for  me?  What  have  I 
done  for  love? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Ah,  .  .  .  that  is  love's  secret.  It  blesses  always  and 
asks  nothing  in  return.  Let  us  not  question  why 
it  is  so. 


[38] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  MAN 

But  what  of  those  whom  I  have  wronged?  What 
of  those  who  suffer  because  of  me? 

THE  HERDSMAN 

I  said,  ...  in  every  man's  life,  there  is  a  love  that 
brings  him  peace.  ...  In  every  man's. 

THE  MAN 
Yes,  .  .  .  but  the  women,  .  .  .  the  one  woman. 

THE  HERDSMAN      [Thoughtfully.] 

The  one  woman.  .  .  .  Yes,  .  .  .  you  shall  make  full 
reparation  to  her. 

THE  MAN 

O  then  would  my  joy  be  full!  But  that  is  not  pos 
sible;  I  have  come  too  late. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
Too  late?  It  is  never  too  late. 

THE  MAN 
But  she  is  gone. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

Gone  where?  Everybody  and  everything,  that  ever 
has  been,  is  here  now.  Life  is,  and  death  is  not. 

THE  MAN 
Then  why  do  I  not  see  her,  if  she  is  here? 

[39] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  HERDSMAN 

Do  you  remember  when  you  went  away,  how  she 
tried  to  tell  you?  .  .  . 

THE  MAN 

\JVith  quick  inspiration.] 

That  I  need  not  go.  That  I  would  find  the  treasure 
here. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
And  you  would  not  hear  her. 

THE  MAN 
I  could  not  hear.  I  did  not  know. 

THE  HERDSMAN 

You  can  not  see  her  now  for  the  same  reason.  You 
do  not  know.  It  is  the  understanding  which  sepa 
rates,  .  .  .  which  unites. 

THE  MAN 

When  I  reach  her  understanding,  ...  I  shall  be 
hold  her. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
Yes.  It  will  be  as  though  you  had  never  parted. 

[The  scene  has  been  growing  pinker,  rosier, 
brighter,  until  now  the  house  on  the  hill 
glints  and  gleams  in  the  sunlight  like  a  dia 
mond  palace.  Glimpses  of  brilliant  colored 
flowers  are  seen  beyond  the  hedges,  shining 

[40] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

and  newly  washed.  The  vineyards  show  the 
white  and  purple  grapes.  The  yellow  hay 
field,  tall  and  waving,  shimmers  in  the  sun. 
The  corn  is  seen  full  in  the  ear,  and  every 
growing  thing  seems  to  respond  to  the  light. ~\ 

THE  MAN       \_With  glad  hope.] 

She  is  here!  I  could  not  hear  her  then  .  .  .  and  yet 
she  told  me  all  that  I  would  do.  Her  words  come 
to  me  now, . .  .  but  I  could  not . . .  hear  .  .  .  them 
.  .  .  then.  I  can  not  see  her  now,  but  .  .  .  she 
...  is  here.  No  death!  Yes,  yes,  I  believe  and  I 
will  listen.  I  want  to  hear.  ...  I  want  to  hear. 

\A  rainbow  appears  over  the  high  hill,  a 
broad  ribbon  of  prismatic  colors,  that  fall 
full  upon  the  Knoll,  ending  in  the  pall  of 
roses.  From  the  descending  end  of  the  bow, 
the  ribbon  widens,  the  colors  merging  into 
a  pale  shining  atmosphere,  enveloping  THE 
MAN  and  changing  him  into  a  being  of  ethe 
real  beauty.  Beholding  the  rainbow,  he 
raises  his  face  to  the  light  and  flings  wide 
his  arms.  The  cloak  falling  back  off  his 
shoulders,  shows  him  clad  in  glittering  mail. 
His  stick  has  become  a  sword,  which  drops 
at  his  side;  his  hat  a  helmet,  remaining  in 
his  hand.~\ 

THE  MAN 

The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow!  Here  .  .  .  with  you! 
Yes,  you  tried  to  tell  me,  but  with  the  sound  of 

[41] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

gold,  gold  in  my  ears,  gold  before  my  eyes,  the 
glamour  of  the  world's  favor;  because  of  my  gold, 
...  I  was  too  dull  and  gross  to  hear.  But  now  I 
hear,  now  I  know.  You  are  telling  me  that  where 
I  find  myself,  there  is  my  treasure.  You  are  tell 
ing  me  that  love  must  rule  the  world,  and  all  who 
fight  against  it  are  but  beating  and  bruising  their 
wings.  You  are  telling  me  that  we  must  love,  love, 
love,  .  .  .  every  human  being.  We  must  love 
everything  that  lives  and  breathes  in  this  world 
and  out  of  it,  every  atom  beneath  our  feet  and  in 
the  sky  above.  Had  I  loved  this  barren  ground 
as  you  have,  it  would  have  flowered  and  blos 
somed  for  me  as  it  has  for  you,  ...  for  them.  But 
now  I  hear.  Now  I  see  and  I  know. 

[Folding  his  arms  over  his  breast .] 
Love  is  the  treasure.  It  is  here  ...  in  myself. 

\_Out  of  the  effulgent  mist,  slowly  appears  the 
form  of  THE  WOMAN,  clad  in  brilliant  white. 
A  garment  which  seems  not  to  end,  but 
floating  away  from  her,  becomes  a  part  of 
the  mist.  Each  rose  in  the  pink  carpet  upon 
which  they  stand,  becomes  distincJ  in  the 
dancing  light.  THE  MAN  falls  to  his  knees 
and  bows  before  THE  WOMAN  in  adoration. 
She  carries  a  glowing  crown  of  stars,  which 
she  places  upon  his  head.  The  chimes  joy 
ously  peal  forth  the  hour,  out  of  which  har 
mony  the  voice  of  THE  WOMAN  is  heard.} 

[42] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

THE  WOMAN'S  VOICE 

Behold,!  give  it  you.N  The  crown  which  was  yours 
before  the  world  began.  Entrusted  to  my  care  I 
have  kept  it  pure  and  bright,  for  that  wondrous 
day  when  you  should  call  for  it.  My  Prince,! 
crown  you.  My  Prince  of  Love  and  Truth.  One 
more  nobleman  in  the  court  of  heaven,  pledged 
to  serve  his  King. 

\With  the  last  note  from  the  chimes^  THE 
WOMAN  and  the  crown  slowly  fade  from 
sight.  THE  MAN  rises ,  reaching  into  the  mist 
toward  the  vanishing  form .] 

THE  MAN 

With  you  through  eternity.  No  death, .  .  .  but  life. 
No  pain,  only  joy  forever  and  ever.  And  peace, 
peace,  unspeakable  peace.  I  could  not  hear  you 
then,  but  I  hear  you  now.  The  treasure  is  love. 
I  have  found  it. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
You  are  wonderful! 

THE  MAN 

And  I  am  not  to  meet  you,  ashamed  and  old  and 
wrinkled,  misshapen  and  full  of  pain,  but  as  a 
Prince,  with  all  the  ardour  of  youth.  With  a  great 
joy,  loving  you,  not  as  a  clod  of  earth,  but  as  the 
angels  in  heaven  love. 

[43] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 

\T*he  rainbow  vanishes,  leaving  the  scene  bril 
liant  with  sunshine,  and  still,  but  for  the 
clear  singing  of  birds  in  the  distance.  Witb 
the  cloak  again  enfolding  him,  THE  MAN 
falls  across  the  bed  of  roses,  face  down, 
among  the  petals  in  which  there  are  no 
thorns.  THE  SON  comes  out  of  the  house, 
makes  his  way  down  the  winding  paths, 
passes  along  the  foot  of  the  hills  and  offstage 
at  left,  back  of  the  Knoll.'] 

THE  HERDSMAN 

"...  for  as  a  Prince  hast  thou  power  with  God  and 
with  men  and  hast  prevailed."Gi*.j*j*. 

[THE  SON  enters  front  of  stage,  left.  Notes 
THE  HERDSMAN,  his  shining  countenance, 
looks  toward  the  Knoll,  then  walks  to  the 
top  of  it.  He  bends  over  THE  MAN  and  tries 
to  move  him,  then  rises  and  speaks  with 
awe  and  dawning  light. ~\ 

THE  SON 

The  man  who  came  last  night!  But  I  thought  he 
was  old.  His  hair  was  white.  This  man  is  young 
and  his  hair  is  fair. 

THE  HERDSMAN 
Your  story  melted  away  the  years.  He  is  her  Prince. 

\There  is  a  short  silence.  THE  SON  removes 
his  hat,  stands  erect  and  speaks  into  the 
distance^ 

[44] 


The  Foot  of  the  Rainbow 
THE  SON 

My  father!  I  am  glad  I  was  kind.  Did  I  have  the 
feast  prepared?  Did  I  clothe  him  in  the  royal 
garments?  I  think  I  gave  him  what  he  most  de 
sired.  I  am  glad.  Her  Prince!  They  have  met. 

[To  the  Herdsman.] 
And  the  glory  of  it  all,  is  yours. 

THE  HERDSMAN  [Quietly.] 

The  glory  is  not  mine,  but  His  that  sent  me. 

[There  is  a  moment's  pause,  when  the  scene  is 
suddenly  peopled  with  the  beginning  of  the 
day  s  activity.  Men  and  women  with  bas 
kets  appear  in  the  grape-arbors.  Gardeners 
are  seen  among  the  hedges,  along  the  roads 
and  among  the  flowers.  The  shouts  of  chil 
dren  and  their  merry  laughter  come  from 
somewhere  out  of  the  sunshine  and  gladness. 
The  ringing  of  the  steel  on  the  stone  in  the 
quarries,  is  distinft  and  tuneful;  and  over 
all  a  meadow  lark  sends  out  a  long,  alluring 
note  to  his  mate,  which  is  answered  as  the 
curtain  slowly  falls •.] 

CURTAIN 


13» 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

s  OF 

. 


[45] 


HERE  ENDS  "THE  FOOT  OF  THE  RAINBOW," 
A  PLAY  IN  THREE  ACTS,  BY  MYRTLE  GLENN 
ROBERTS.    PRINTED   FROM   HAND-SET  CAS- 
LON  TYPE,  WITH  DECORATIONS  BY  DOUG 
LAS  H.  HILLIKER,  AT  THE  TOMOYE   PRESS 
OF  PAUL  ELDER  AND  COMPANY,  SAN  FRAN 
CISCO,  UNDER  THE  DIRECTION  OF  JOHN 
SWART,  IN  THE  YEAR  NINETEEN 
HUNDRED  AND  FOURTEEN 


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